Performance Metrics and A-130 Compliance
Situation OMB Circular A-130 mandates the Government implement information resources management activities in an efficient, effective, and economical manner. Agencies must plan in an integrated fashion for managing information throughout its. life cycle. This requires that capital planning, security, enterprise architecture, records, and privacy be integrated efficiently and cost-effectively into the operational IT organization. OMB, GAO, and NIST have all issued guidance and maturity models in their respective areas of interest. OMB is updating OMB Circular A-130 in FY04.
Analysis For IT resources to be managed effectively, the separate Chief Information Officer organizations managing capital planning, security, architecture, records, and privacy must be integrated at an operational level. This means that goals, roles, and responsibilities are clearly identified and prioritized, interdependencies established, and that the CIO organizational elements and operating units understand performance expectations. Emphasis must move for selecting and resourcing projects to controlling and evaluating their performance. New skill sets and tools must be emphasized.
Solution System 1 supported the deployment of a new cross-cutting organization measuring A-130 compliance which included policy development support, implementing guidance, and toolsets. System 1 developed and supported OMB A-130 compliance efforts for the Department of Interior. This support included the facilitation of IT strategic planning meetings to identify goals and clearly prioritize implementing activities, the development of a standard IT project management framework and project reporting templates, the development of an integrated approach to IT life cycle management, and the development of project manager qualification and training requirements. System 1 developed metrics spanning capital planning, security, architecture, records, and privacy. These were used to drive performance, which is captured in an integrated management scorecard. System 1 synthesized new patterns based on OMB guidance, GAO and NIST maturity models, and best practices.